An Analysis of the Contrast between the Characters of Jane Eyre and Blanche Ingram in Charlotte Bronte's Novel Jane Eyre Essay

In the novel Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte, many characters emphasize the positive aspects of Janes personality and bring interest into the story. One of these characters is Blanche Ingram, a tall and beautiful woman whom Rochester plans on marrying purely for social status. Blanche is not a very nice or caring woman, and lives to be the center of attention at all times. Her physical attributes gain her this attention that she craves, and she makes sure to flaunt herself and soak in the attention as much as possible. She is self-centered and ignorant, and wants to marry Rochester solely because she believes an ugly husband will be easy to dominate and she wants his money. Blanche Ingram contrasts Jane Eyres docile and modest demeanor by being uncaring and intolerant and shows Janes integrity by flaunting superficial attributes to entice Mr. Rochester.When Blanche Ingram first arrives at Thornfield, the reader is immediately aware of the personality differences between her and Jane Eyre. Blanches stunning beauty is recognized right away, which contrasts the plain and simple physical appearance that Jane has. Blanche uses this beauty to entice Mr. Rochester, unlike Jane who does not try to get attention from Mr. Rochester at all. Instead, she has meaningful conversations with him and learns much about his past. Since Jane is not interested in Mr. Rochesters wealth, she learns to love Mr. Rochester and decides that she wants to be with him. The way that Blanche and Jane express their feelings for Mr. Rochester shows Janes wholesomeness. Miss Ingram chooses to flaunt her physical attributes and use extravagant methods to gain his attention. Jane speculates, "Surely she cannot truly like him...If she did, she need not coin her smiles so lavishly flash her glances so unremittingly manufacture airs so elaborate, graces so multitudinous" (277).Not only do Blanches physical appearance and personality have a stark contrast with Janes character, but also the way in which she treats others....

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